ICYMI: These are the top stories we published over the weekend

Monday

May 5, 2014 at 8:00 AM

Here's your chance to catch up on the weekend's news. These are some of the top stories we posted on rrstar.com over the weekend, including trouble with the Nordlog Center roof, cursing at Wing-Ding, and a questionable roofing contractor.

Here’s your chance to catch up on the weekend’s news. These are some of the top stories we posted on rrstar.com over the weekend.

Up to 9 schools closing under Rockford district’s long-term plans

Rockford School District leaders want to reduce the number of early-childhood centers and elementary schools by at least seven, from 35 to 28. Plan A targets West View, Walker, Dennis, King, Kishwaukee, Thompson and Cherry Valley schools for closure. Plan B adds Nelson to the mix. Plan C adds White Swan. The closed schools would be demolished and turned into green space.

Scam? Rockford-area residents warned about media drop-off boxes

Large purple-colored drop-off boxes have appeared mysteriously at filling stations, grocery stores and other businesses across the Rock River Valley, encouraging community members to donate books, CDs and DVDs so they don’t end up in the landfill. The problem is the Rockford, Loves Park and Machensey Park property owners with these heavy bins didn’t ask for them.

Poor Town: Health officials zero in on youth poisoned by toxic stress

Early in life, toxic stress can disrupt brain circuitry and other important regulatory systems in ways that continue to influence physiology, behavior, and health decades later. While some stress is normal, prolonged stress causes increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can put a child into a constant state of high alert, like a motor with a stuck accelerator. Toxic stress during early childhood can rewire a developing brain and change DNA, and it’s much more likely to affect children who grow up poor.

Winnebago County explores puppy mill debate

Winnebago County’s Public Safety Committee gathered Wednesday to explore the possibility of following Chicago’s lead and adopting legislation that would prevent pet stores from selling such commercially bred animals.Representatives from the Rock River Valley’s legal and animal rights community were on Wednesday’s panel, which was available for questions from county officials.